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8 Comments on “Fixing Common Rowing Errors”

In order to reach full length of the stroke, it is better to go forward on the seat, instead of reaching this far from the hips (Dave's back is collapsing in the middle. This is not a strong position.) As a rowing coach I would call this 1/2 slide rowing, with to much reaching from the back and the hips. The shoulder should be slightly in front of the hips. Sit more upright and use mor slide.
The shins should reach the vertical position, and to get there, Dave should lower his footstretcher, because he is a tall guy.

The compression (or lack there of) and 'catch' section of his stroke is terrible! Don't post videos telling people how it's done if you don't know how it's done. It will cause more harm than good as people really pay attention to these videos.

It would be much more responsible to post a link to a more informed video, or to research what you are teaching before posting. I would seriously consider removing this video for the sake of peoples techniques and backs.

Thank you all for pointing out what we can see in Dave's rowing as inflexibility in the back, ankles, hamstrings etc. It is important to note that Dave has lots of poorly ingrained rowing habits none of which we were looking to address in this particular video. In creating this video our intent is to show 3 common errors of rowing within the sport of CrossFit that are grossly overlooked. There are plenty more video's we have filmed that address the issues you all brought up. It's great that you guys are out there and able to help the community with rowing as well. I'd invite you all to post your own video's on the CF Rowing Facebook page to show us what you'd like coached. Or if you haven't had a chance to join us at a Trainer Course, please join us so we can all get on the same page. It would be great for rowing coaches in the CF community to work together.

I had the privilege of attending a CrossFit Rowing cert that Shane led and it was great!!! I was so beat tired when I got home I passed the hell out, but that is besides the point :D I learned so much and my rowing skills and coaching skills have greatly improved. He knows what he is talking about and everyone could learn a lot from him.

I am impressed with Shane's tips and I feel that the topics he covered are spot on. However, it would have been much better to not have had Dave as his demo guy. Dave demonstrated the main problems that were covered quite well, but he also demonstrated half slide rowing, leaving people who watched the video to believe that is the best way to row.

The best way to learn to row is to do so is on the water. The inconsistencies in form are a killer in the water. I love to row on my Concept 2 but it is really different in the water and some of the Crossfit "techniques" are truly geared to getting the most from the rower. Dave is a monster but he is probably not the best example to highlight rowing technique.

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